By Madeleine Fuselier

The Orange Leader

Amsterdam far exceeded my already very high expectations. In the two and a half days we were there, I fell in love with its calm and happy atmosphere and its kind and welcoming people (all of whom spoke perfect English). Some of the highlights of our trip included attending a performance of “The Statement” by the Nederlands Dans Theater and visiting the Anne Frank House. I also got to see the beautiful Saint Francis Xavier Church. We ate some delicious food and did lots of wondering around the charming canals.

Now I’m back in Paris, and experiencing what I guess could be called preemptive nostalgia. Or maybe it’s just a nostalgia for my time here when I didn’t feel the end looming so near. People ask me all the time if I’m “ready” to go. I’m not. I don’t want to leave this amazing city and all of the wonderful people I’ve met here. While I’m excited to see all of my friends and family back home, I’m so sad for this year to be coming to an end.

I’ve been trying to make the most of my final days here in France by crossing a few last stops off the list before it’s time to head back to Texas. A couple days ago I took a train to Giverny to see Claude Monet’s home and gardens, where he was inspired to paint his famous “Water Lilies.” The gardens were incredibly beautiful, and it was easy to see why Monet was so moved by them. After exploring the gardens, I had a picnic in a field of poppies with a new friend and visited the “Musée des Impressionnismes.” It was a lovely day trip from Paris and one of my favorite recent discoveries here in France.

This weekend I saw my roommate’s final performance with her dance program, and this morning I met up with a friend to say the first of many goodbyes to come over the next few days. Tonight my roommate and I will be hosting a going away party, and I’m looking forward to one last get-together with some of my favorite people (until next time, that is).